Fish as bioindicators of heavy metals pollution in marine environments: a review

Fish meat is a perfect foodstuff which is up to the standard of rational nourishment. It is a source of healthy and good digestible material rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. The metal contamination in marine water is considered to be unsafe not only for fish but, also for human beings because they consume fish. Thus, bioindication using fish represents a good monitoring tool especially with regard to pollution aspects. In this review the recent studies on heavy metal accumulation in marine fish will be presented, also metal speciation in and some factors affecting their bioavailability will be reviewed, as well as to gather more information on the use of different species of marine fish organs as universal bioindicators for heavy metal pollution in aquatic environment.